The art of being friendly. I believe this is a great Wednesday Morning (Wait..What? It’s already Wednesday?!) to talk about this art that many seem to forget that they have. First off, yes, I do believe that there is kindness in everyone. Some may call this naïve, but I believe that each and every one of us has a touch of compassion and friendliness in us. If this makes me naïve, so be it.J The first step we have to take is to find out what level your friendliness is. Do you A.) Avoid eye contact at all measures. (This makes riding in an elevator with reflective doors with one other stranger even that more awkward). Or do you B.) Make friends in line while getting a Cup of Joe and get the ‘Man, I wish she would just be quite’ looks? No matter what kind of person you are, one thing is for certain, we can all make someone’s day by doing the simple art of being friendly. Let’s take a step together and do this a little more often (I promise, this is not a rehab step system).

Step one: Say Hello. Some people may look at you with annoyance because they don’t know you, don’t know if they should know you, and quite frankly, they don’t care that you said hello. Some people might not even say it back, but more often than not, you will get a smile and a “Hello” back. You might even get a Hello that deserves an exclamation point. I am not implying that you should strike up a conversation about how you dress up your cat for special occasions and take pictures (I promise, I do not do this…..yet). I am simply telling you to speak to people. It’s is not as scary as some of you might think and if a simple “Hello” is heard, it just might be contagious. Spread the good mornings on!

Step Two: Hold open doors. Yes, we all know how important it is for you to get in line before anyone else and how the extra 3 seconds of your life is wasted by holding the door open for Grandma and Grandpa, but realistically, holding the door open for someone will bring happiness to you and the people behind you that you let ahead (You might even enjoy it..Gasp!). And yes, we all know how much of a rush it is by sneaking in when someone else is holding the door and taking bets in your head if you are going to make it or not, but next time stop and offer to take their place. It is a simple act that is appreciated by all parties. Just hold the door open, people!

Step Three: Courtesy. Prepare yourselves because this also has to deal with speaking to people. I think we might all forget the phrases or courtesy: Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, You’re Welcome, and so on. Why is it that “bromance’ was added to the dictionary this past year but the phrases that have been around forever seem to have been forgotten? Say thank you, even if it is for something small. Appreciate people and how language in itself is a simple thing that can make someone’s day.

Wouldn’t the world be a sweeter place if we all took the time to recognize what is being forgotten and overlooked? Never forget that it is the simple things that makes it all worthwhile and our actions and words can make someone else’s day all the more worthwhile. Don’t lose the art of friendliness because it is through these simple things that can bring a smile to a strangers (or friends) face.

Go Forth, Friends. Hold open those doors and help the Art of Being Friendly strive on!